Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi Motors announced their electric vehicles not only can be used for trip to the grocery store. Soon, battery-powered vehicle owners will be able to help cook during power outages.

    Mitsubishi i-MiEV is studying to increase the discharge capacity. i-MiEV existing discharge capacity is 100 watts, through an optional attachment can be increased to 1500 watts to charge mobile phones and other small electronic products, no problems. Now to achieve this level, "can by charging it to the cooker or microwave oven." Mitsubishi Motors electric car business executives YoshikazuNakamura says.

    According to the World's two largest electric vehicle manufacturer Nissan and Mitsubishi, said the earthquake hit Japan in March of some nuclear power plants, Tokyo had to rolling blackouts to cope with power shortages. In this case, electric car battery as a backup power supply role apparent. Tokyo-based analyst at consulting firm Carnorama TakeshiMiyao said the earthquake disaster not only failed to reduce the demand for electric vehicles, but will likely increase the sales of electric vehicles. "Electric cars now have the opportunity to demonstrate the role of the battery, which now has an unprecedented advantage."

    Tokyo Electric Power Company, said Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan this summer could lead to rolling blackouts longer. Other nuclear reactors are shut down for inspection or maintenance, the Japanese national power shortage worsened.

    However, Tokyo Electric Power Company also said that even in this case, the power consumption at less than half of available capacity. The electric vehicle owners charge is usually in the evening. Analysts Miyao said: "Electric Vehicle Charging at night to not be a problem, peak time power is necessary."

    Mitsubishi Motors electric car business executives, said Nakamura, from Japan since the earthquake in March, Mitsubishi has accelerated the development of batteries and research. He said Mitsubishi's goal is to be launched before the end of the year the discharge capacity of 1500 watts of battery. "We are aware of the transfer of public concern and therefore appropriate efforts are being accelerated."

    Nissan business executives HideakiWatanabe zero-emission vehicles that Nissan plans to launch early next month, a Leaf of the discharge system. Nissan spokesman ShiroNagai said that although the discharge capacity of Leaf has reached a 2400-watt, Nissan is still considering whether to continue to increase. He also said that car sales in Japan have declined after the earthquake, but the number of orders Leaf stays.

    Nagai said, Leaf's sales in March and April decline, sales of 177 in April, but soon rebounded in May to 472. Since its launch in October Leaf, as of June 8200 were sold in the world. Nagai, said: "Although the earthquake we had to interrupt a period of production, but sales are still higher."

    The world's largest hybrid car manufacturer Toyota Motor, is also studying the introduction of a system that allows the discharge capacity of the Prius 1500 watts. This is sufficient to charge of household appliances. Toyota announced July 19 that this system will be developed within a year.

    But, this technology may not be suitable for users living in high-rise, they can not connect to the car on the kitchen appliances. ToshitakeInoshita Nissan spokesman said: "It is not possible, unless it is first to develop the power transmission to the 12 floors of the facility.

    KaiInada Mitsubishi spokesman, said the technology is not suitable for family daily. "Our development plans are suitable for emergency power, or camping."

    Mitsubishi i-MiEV in April last year listed. According to Mitsubishi, said the car the battery 7-14 hours can be filled, to support travel 160 km. Mitsubishi i-MiEV in Japan that has sold about 4000, exports of over 10,000. Mitsubishi plans in 2015 increased by 8 hybrid and battery-driven vehicles. Mitsubishi introduced the first model is M, scheduled for July 25 listing.